Pennask Lake Lodge: A Tradition Preserved

Dates: September 20–23, 2026 (3 nights)

About the Lodge & Setting

Originally built by James Drummond Dole, the Hawaiian “Pineapple King,” in the late 1920s, the lodge was created as a gathering place for a private club devoted solely to the soul-stirring pastime of fly fishing. Dole once described his vision as:

“One lake of perfect fishing, which he and his friends and their friends could call their own… good quarters at the day’s end – good food, good boats, good comrades.”

Over the decades, the property became the Pennask Lake Fishing & Game Club and continues to operate much as it did a century ago, with its customs and traditions carefully preserved by generations of devoted members. Even Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip once stayed here—sharing the common baths and spending time fishing on the lake - adding a charming footnote to the lodge’s storied past.

The three-story, 1920s lodge embodies rustic simplicity and enduring charm. Rooms are furnished with either two single beds (double occupancy) or one single bed (single occupancy), with shared baths on each floor which is a reflection of the Club’s heritage and its emphasis on community over formality.

This is a place where time slows, stories linger by the fire, and the quiet rhythm of lodge life continues much as it has for generations.

About the lake
Pennask Lake is renowned for wild rainbow trout—spirited fighters that have enchanted anglers for decades. Whether you fish or not, the reward is the setting itself: glassy morning water, wide skies, and the hush of a protected shoreline.

Anticipated highlights (to be finalized with the Pennask Club)

• Heritage lodging (main lodge, shared baths): Double = two single beds; Single = one single bed.

• All meals included—breakfasts, secluded lakeside picnic lunches, and chef-prepared dinners. Picnic areas fit up to eight, and fresh catch can be cooked at a private shoreline spot when you’ve caught one.

• Gourmet dinners prepared by an esteemed chef

• Dedicated fishing boat for your party on trout-rich Pennask Lake; fish cleaning included.

• Fishing education: With Dennis Grant, owner of Okanagan's premier fly casting school, and author of "Life with a Fly Rod" offering optional intro session and pointers for experienced and newer anglers.

• On-site massage in a quiet room set for guest privacy.

• Lake gear (beyond boats): access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for relaxed time on the water.

• For non-anglers: walking, reading nooks, paddling, massage, photography, and unhurried time. No fishing experience required to love this place!

Why this feels rare

• Members-only seclusion and intentional privacy. Information is scarce by design.

• A timeless atmosphere where the true indulgence is unstructured time beside a lake that has inspired generations of guests.

Next Steps

This is a prospective opportunity. Once confirmed with the Pennask board, guests can expect a timeless experience steeped in tradition where camaraderie, reflection, and connection to nature take center stage.

This is not a save-the-date. Space is extremely limited, with room for only 28 guests. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come basis; all others will be placed on a waitlist.

To secure the lodge for these dates, we must reserve and pay now while the Pennask Club Board confirms our booking.

To make the most of your time at Pennask Lake Lodge, we recommend arriving by noon on Sunday, September 20, and departing the property by 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Guest rooms should be vacated by 11:00 AM, though guests are welcome to linger until early afternoon, enjoying one last cast, paddle, or quiet moment by the lake before saying farewell.

The lodge is located approximately 1.5 hours from Kelowna, British Columbia, with the final 10 miles along a well-maintained gravel road.

Guests may choose to drive to Pennask Lake or fly into Kelowna:

• If driving, we suggest overnighting en route a day before to ensure arrival at the lodge by noon; we’re happy to assist with hotel recommendations or reservations, and depending on interest, may be able to coordinate a shared hotel near the Fraser River Canyon.

• For those flying, Alaska Airlines serves Kelowna multiple times daily. We recommend arriving Sept 19 (overnight in Kelowna) to ensure arrival to the lodge by noon the following day. We can help with hotels. Most flights arriving on September 20 arrive in the afternoon.
  
  Additional hotel nights in Kelowna and transportation to the lodge is a separate supplement, and shuttle times will be coordinated based on guest flights.

All trip payments are processed in Canadian dollars (CAD). A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot with the remaining balance due on February 6, 2026. Each reservation includes a CAD $200 per person administrative and planning fee.

Once confirmed, travelers who are unable to join may transfer their spot to a replacement guest; in that case, a refund will be issued after the replacement is confirmed, less the same fee noted above.

A minimum of 24 guests and a maximum of 28 guests are required for this experience to operate as planned. Pricing may be adjusted if the minimum number of participants is not met.

We appreciate your understanding, as these policies help us maintain the quality, intimacy, and integrity of the Pennask Lake Lodge experience.

To make the most of your stay, we recommend arriving at Pennask Lake Lodge by 12:00 pm and easing into lodge life after a morning of travel.

If driving:
Guests driving on their own may wish to arrive the day before. We recommend a pre-night stay midway between Portland and Kelowna to ensure a relaxed, timely arrival at the lodge. We will be in touch to gauge interest in group accommodations for those who prefer to overnight together along the route.

If flying to Kelowna:
For guests flying, we’ll coordinate transportation from the Kelowna airport to the lodge based on shared shuttle times. Arrive either the evening of Sept 19 (with an overnight in Kelowna) or the morning of Sept 20. We will assist with hotel arrangements and transportation to/from the lodge.

No matter how you arrive, our goal is a smooth transition into your time at Pennask Lake—leave the logistics to us so you can settle in, connect with the group, and begin enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

A picnic lunch is available upon arrival to enjoy at your leisure before settling into your room, stretching your legs, or heading out on the lake. As the water quiets for the evening, gather with friends and share a relaxed dinner in the dining room.

Suggested Arrival Time: Noon

After breakfast, head out early for trout fishing or linger over coffee as the mist lifts—the rhythm here is yours. Cast a line, share a lakeside picnic with friends, and savor your fresh catch with a prepared lunch. Spend the afternoon kayaking, reading by the fire, or indulging in a massage at the lodge.

Picnic lunches are thoughtfully prepared and packed for you to enjoy on the water or along the shore, and evenings bring everyone together for a relaxed, chef-prepared dinner.

(Casting guidance with Dennis Grant will be available for those interested in learning or refining fly-fishing skills.)

After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps one last cast or paddle, guests may take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the lake or for the road ahead.

Please check out of your room by 11:00 AM—boats remain available for use until 1:00 PM, when guests depart the property. You’ll leave Pennask carrying with you the calm rhythm and quiet stillness that linger long after leaving the water.